Relationship

"Much of what God wants to work on in us will come about as we grow in our relationship with the people Gods puts in our lives."

This is a quote ( a very good one) that came in a sweet e-card from a friend this morning. It was very timely. She sent it from my positive effect apparently in her life.
Yesterday a had a very Hard Day!
It was a day where I was full of RAGE. I was stuck in a triangle of rage that looked like this...
Anger tipped one end, loss or fear of it another tip and shame or guilt the last. My tender feelings had been hurt and hurt deeply. Frustration gave me a very short fuse. A spark of mis communication set it off.
The challenges that occur in relationships are often based on the interpretations we have of another's behaviors or words. Genders think differently. Behaviors occur out of old wounds or just personality types.
During stressful times these things can occur with much greater intensity. As they did for me yesterday.
Being angry however does have a gift that is offered. It is the gift of strength. Anger is a powerful force. A force I had to ride out for several stressful hours. I did my best not to sin in it by listening and bridling my tung. Not an easy act to be sure. Hurt people,hurt people. I was feeling very hurt. I do not ever purposefully want to hurt anyone.
I knew going in to this journey of obedience the assault would come as in any good battle the enemy is ready to jump into any opportunity. Expecting him to do so can keep the surprise response at bay.
By the end of the day and the arrival of my friend we were able to talk it out. To work through the wounds and hear each other more clearly. Expectations are very hard to let go off.
I read in a blog a wonderful comment on goals how we try to change on our own and yet the true changes can only occur as we relinquish to God our design and desire to effect lasting change in our behavior. I hope this for my friend and I both.
Marriage takes work, a friendship takes time and when time becomes robbed friendships suffer.
Beloved and I are short of time together that is most marriages when small children and long work hours and misunderstanding sets in.
Today is a new and better day with peace restored in our lives, lives that are not that uncommon.

Everyone has laundry and sometimes we can learn from the way another sorts it out. :)